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St Patrick's Parade

The Harp and Shamrock, Division One of the Ancient Order of Hibernians sponsors the St Patrick’s Day city parade in downtown Greenville,
South Carolina, on the closest Sunday afternoon to March 17th, so that working people and families are all able to attend and enjoy the
festivities.The parade is a family oriented tradition of honoring St. Patrick that is routed on Main Street beginning at 1 PM. Every
year we get many requests to enter a float or group in the parade, as well as individuals and local businesses desiring to sponsor the
parade and festival advertising in the local media.

History

In 1836, a contingent of miners formed an organization called the Hibernian Benevolent Society traveled to New York's St Patrick's Day
parade, the early beginning of the AOH. As a result of historic gatherings and marches, the AOH now stands, not only as the oldest
Catholic Lay organization in America, but as the largest Irish Catholic society in the world with Divisions across the United States,
and close ties with the AOH in Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales.Activities and events sponsored at all levels of the Order raise
millions for charity while providing a showcase for the positive contributions the Irish have made in every walk of American life. The
AOH serves its Church well, yet, never forgets homeland Eire, and can always be found working for the total independence of a united
32-county Ireland."To be Irish is a Blessing, To be a Hibernian is an Honor."

Membership

Membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Inc. is confined to men 16 years and older who are practicing Roman Catholics of Irish
birth or descent and who are citizens of United States of America or who have declared their intentions to become citizens of the
United States of America.Associate memberships are also available to those who do not meet the aforementioned qualification.
Notifications for induction dates and times, through the Shamrock Degree, are sent to all applicants.

ABOUT THE ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS

The Ancient Order of Hibernians is America’s oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal Organization founded concurrently in the coal-mining
region of Pennsylvania and New York City in May,1836. The Order can trace its roots back to a series of similar societies that
existed in Ireland for more than 300 years. Today the AOH exists in America, Canada, Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland,
however, while the organizations share a common thread, the American AOH is a separate and much larger organization.